In today’s digital world, staying ahead of cyber threats is not optional—it’s necessary. Businesses of all sizes are realizing that prevention is far better than damage control. That’s why threat intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most important tools in the cybersecurity toolbox. But how many organizations are actually using it? And more importantly, how are they using it?
1. 72% of organizations report using some form of threat intelligence
Nearly three out of four organizations now use some kind of threat intelligence. This shows how much the mindset around cybersecurity has evolved.
Companies are no longer waiting for threats to strike. Instead, they’re being proactive—gathering data, studying attackers’ behaviors, and adjusting their defenses based on what they learn.
What does this mean for your business? If you’re not using threat intelligence yet, you might already be behind. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and build a complex system tomorrow.
Start simple. Subscribe to basic threat intelligence feeds from trusted sources. You can even start with free or open-source options. The key is to get your foot in the door.
If you are part of the 72%, it’s time to ask yourself: are you using the information to its full potential? Threat intelligence is only powerful when you act on it. Make sure the insights you receive are reaching the right teams and being used to fine-tune your defenses.
2. 59% of enterprises have a dedicated threat intelligence team
More than half of enterprises have taken the step to create specialized teams just for threat intelligence. That speaks volumes. These teams focus on collecting, analyzing, and acting on data that could indicate a security threat.
Having a dedicated team means that threat intelligence doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of other IT tasks. It also allows businesses to go deeper.
These teams often work closely with the Security Operations Center (SOC), incident response teams, and risk management groups to deliver timely, tailored insights.
If your organization isn’t big enough for a full team, consider appointing one or two people to focus on this area. They don’t need to be full-time at first. What matters is giving them the time and resources to start. As the program grows, so can your investment.
3. 65% of financial institutions have integrated threat intelligence into their security operations
The finance sector is often a few steps ahead in cybersecurity—and for good reason. It’s one of the most targeted industries in the world. That’s why it’s no surprise that nearly two-thirds of financial organizations are actively using threat intelligence in daily operations.
This integration means threat intelligence is not just a report sitting in someone’s inbox.
It’s part of their detection rules, alert triage, risk scoring, and even decision-making. Financial organizations use this intel to stop fraud, detect breaches faster, and reduce response times.
No matter what industry you’re in, there’s a lesson here. Don’t let threat intelligence sit on the sidelines. Bring it into your existing systems—your firewall, SIEM, EDR, and even your ticketing systems.
The more places it touches, the more valuable it becomes.
4. 78% of organizations using threat intelligence say it improves their detection and response capabilities
What’s the point of gathering data if it doesn’t help you take action? That’s why this stat matters.
Nearly 8 out of 10 organizations see real improvements in how quickly and accurately they can detect and respond to threats after adopting threat intelligence.
It makes sense. When your team knows what to look for, they can spot attacks earlier. They don’t waste time chasing false alarms. And when they do respond, they know exactly what steps to take.
To get these benefits, start small. Identify a few types of threats your business cares about—ransomware, phishing, insider threats—and focus your intelligence efforts there. Build playbooks around these scenarios and keep updating them as you learn more.
5. 53% of small to mid-sized businesses use external threat intelligence feeds
Even smaller organizations are getting in the game. Over half of SMBs now subscribe to external threat intelligence feeds. These feeds provide alerts, trends, and indicators of compromise (IOCs) from outside sources, helping businesses that might not have in-house experts.
This is a smart move. Building your own threat intel capabilities from scratch can be expensive and time-consuming. External feeds help bridge that gap, providing valuable information without the heavy lift.
Look for feeds that are relevant to your industry and risk profile. Make sure the feed is actionable—just receiving data isn’t enough. You need insights you can apply. Don’t go for quantity; go for quality.
6. 82% of companies that suffered a breach had no formal threat intelligence program in place
This is a wake-up call. Most of the companies that got breached didn’t have a formal threat intelligence setup. That’s not a coincidence. When you’re flying blind, you can’t see what’s coming.
A formal program doesn’t have to mean an army of analysts. It can be as simple as having a strategy, a few tools, and clear ownership of the process. The goal is to move from reactive to proactive.
Start by documenting your threat intelligence sources, how you use them, and who owns the process. From there, build procedures for how to respond to alerts. The more structured your approach, the less likely you’ll be caught off guard.
7. 69% of threat intelligence users report improved incident response times
Faster response means less damage. That’s why nearly 70% of users say their response times have improved with threat intelligence. When you have context—like what an IP address is linked to or whether a domain is part of a known campaign—you don’t waste time guessing.
To get faster, integrate threat intel directly into your alert triage and incident response workflows. Use it to prioritize alerts, understand what’s urgent, and filter out the noise.
Also, make sure your response team has access to this data in real time. The faster they get the right info, the quicker they can act.
8. 74% of organizations share threat intelligence with partners or industry groups
Cyber threats don’t exist in a vacuum. Many businesses are facing the same threats from the same attackers. That’s why three-quarters of organizations share their threat intelligence with others.
This can take the form of industry ISACs, peer groups, or informal sharing agreements. The goal is simple: help each other stay ahead.
If you’re not sharing yet, consider joining an industry group or at least talking to your vendors and partners about it. You don’t have to give away sensitive data—just contributing to the community helps everyone improve.
9. 61% of cybersecurity budgets include dedicated funds for threat intelligence
Money talks. And the fact that more than 60% of companies are setting aside specific funds for threat intelligence shows that it’s no longer just a nice-to-have.
Budgeting for threat intelligence means you can invest in tools, feeds, training, and even dedicated staff. It also shows that leadership sees it as a critical part of security.
If you’re building a budget, start by identifying the pain points threat intelligence can solve for your organization—things like alert fatigue, blind spots, or response delays. Use those to justify the spend.
10. 44% of companies use more than three threat intelligence sources
More sources mean more context. Nearly half of companies now pull from multiple threat intel feeds. Why? Because no single source sees everything.
Some feeds focus on malware, others on phishing, others on vulnerabilities. By combining them, you get a fuller picture of your threat landscape.
But here’s the catch: more feeds also mean more data to sort through. Make sure you have a way to filter and prioritize. Tools like threat intelligence platforms (TIPs) can help. If you’re doing it manually, focus on sources that consistently deliver actionable insights.
11. 37% of organizations use threat intelligence for proactive threat hunting
Threat hunting is like searching for a needle in a haystack—except you’re not even sure what the needle looks like. That’s why having threat intelligence is so powerful. It gives hunters clues, context, and direction.
Around 37% of organizations are using threat intelligence to power these proactive efforts.
Instead of waiting for alerts to ring, these companies go looking for signs of compromise before the damage is done. They use indicators like suspicious IP addresses, file hashes, or abnormal behavior patterns to guide their hunts.
If you want to start doing this, you don’t need a huge team. Even a one-person IT department can do basic hunts. Start by picking one data point a week—maybe a suspicious login or outbound connection—and dig into it.
Use threat intelligence to learn if that behavior matches known attack patterns. Over time, your skills (and results) will grow.
12. 58% of threat intelligence programs are less than 3 years old
Threat intelligence is still new territory for many. More than half of the programs out there are under three years old. That means most companies are still learning, evolving, and building out their capabilities.
This is good news if you’re just starting. You’re not late—you’re right on time. You don’t have to feel behind compared to others. What matters is making progress.
If you’re in the early stages, set realistic goals. Start with a focus on visibility—what are the top threats to your industry?
Next, move into analysis and response. And finally, work toward automation and integration with your systems. You don’t need to do it all at once—just move forward step by step.
13. 89% of security operations centers (SOCs) incorporate threat intelligence feeds
SOCs are the heart of any mature security setup. And almost 90% of them are now using threat intelligence as part of their daily routine. That means the people responsible for monitoring and responding to threats know how valuable these insights are.
Threat intelligence helps SOC teams quickly assess the severity of alerts. Is this just a random scan from the internet, or is it part of a known ransomware campaign? That’s the kind of context they need to act fast and act smart.
If your organization has a SOC—or even just a team that acts like one—make sure threat intelligence is part of the process. Feed it into your SIEM, use it to enrich alerts, and train analysts on how to apply it in real-time.
14. 48% of users integrate threat intelligence with SIEM platforms
Nearly half of users are connecting their threat intelligence directly into their SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems. This is where the magic happens.
When threat intelligence is inside your SIEM, it can automatically enrich logs and events with context. For example, if a user logs in from an IP address flagged in a threat feed, your SIEM can immediately raise the alert’s severity. This makes your system smarter and faster.
To do this right, work with your SIEM vendor to ensure your feeds are in the right format—usually STIX, TAXII, or JSON. Then build rules around those feeds to trigger alerts or automate responses.
15. 34% of organizations use threat intelligence to inform executive risk decisions
Threat intelligence isn’t just for IT teams anymore. One-third of companies are using it to guide big-picture decisions—like investments, partnerships, and strategic planning.
For example, if a threat actor is targeting your industry, executives need to know. If a partner has weak security and might be a liability, leadership should factor that into contracts and risk assessments.
If you want to bring this value to the boardroom, start by translating technical data into business terms. Don’t say, “There’s a spike in IOCs from China.” Say, “There’s an increased risk of IP theft affecting companies like ours. Here’s how we can prepare.”
16. 41% of incident response teams rely heavily on real-time threat intelligence
When every second counts, having real-time intel is a game changer. That’s why 41% of IR teams depend on up-to-the-minute data during an attack.
Real-time feeds can tell you what malware you’re dealing with, how it spreads, and what it tries to steal. They can also point you to the latest detection signatures or patches.
If you want to improve your response playbook, plug threat intelligence directly into it. Use real-time alerts to shape decisions in the moment, not after the fact. And make sure your response team has access to a live dashboard where they can see the intel as it comes in.
17. 63% of threat intelligence users say it helps reduce false positives
Nothing kills productivity like chasing alerts that don’t matter. Thankfully, 63% of threat intelligence users say it helps cut down on false positives. That’s because threat intel helps provide clarity.
If your system flags a login attempt from a strange IP, threat intel can tell you whether that IP is part of a known attack. If it is, take action. If not, maybe it’s just a false alarm.
To get these benefits, you need good intel—not just any feed, but one that’s relevant to your environment. Look for providers who tailor their data to your industry, region, or business size.
18. 27% of companies use automated threat intelligence ingestion
Only about a quarter of companies have taken the step to automate how they collect and use threat intelligence. That’s a missed opportunity.
Automation means new IOCs get pulled into your systems instantly. No one has to copy-paste or manually update a database. Your SIEM, firewall, and EDR stay up to date without extra effort.
Getting started doesn’t require a developer team. Many tools now come with built-in integrations. Look for platforms that support automation out of the box or use scripts and APIs to build your own lightweight solutions.
19. 55% of organizations purchase commercial threat intelligence services
More than half of organizations now pay for premium threat intelligence. Why? Because commercial providers often offer deeper, more tailored insights than free sources.
They may provide intelligence on specific threat actors, vulnerabilities in your tech stack, or targeted attack campaigns in your industry. This kind of detail can be worth the price, especially for larger or high-risk companies.
If you’re evaluating a paid service, don’t just look at the number of IOCs. Ask how they collect data, how often it’s updated, and how relevant it is to your operations.
20. 45% of firms rely on open-source intelligence (OSINT) as a primary source
On the flip side, almost half of all firms still rely mainly on open-source intelligence. That includes things like public blocklists, blogs, GitHub, Reddit, and threat-sharing platforms.
OSINT is a great way to start, especially for organizations on a budget. But not all OSINT is created equal. Some sources are outdated, low-quality, or even misleading.
To get the most from OSINT, build a shortlist of trusted sources. Cross-reference intel before taking action. And always validate IOCs in your own environment before blocking or responding.
21. 33% of companies evaluate ROI for their threat intelligence investments
Only one in three organizations actively tracks the return on investment (ROI) from threat intelligence. That’s a bit surprising, considering how much it can impact security outcomes.
Measuring ROI doesn’t need to be complex. Start by identifying what problems threat intelligence is solving. Are you responding to incidents faster? Reducing false positives? Avoiding downtime?
You can also look at hard numbers—like how many breaches were prevented, how much time analysts saved, or how much you avoided in potential loss. Presenting these numbers to leadership helps build long-term support and continued investment.
If you’re not measuring yet, just start small. Even a simple before-and-after comparison—like response time or number of false alerts—can show clear value.
22. 70% of advanced persistent threat (APT) detection relies on threat intelligence
APT groups are some of the most dangerous threat actors out there. They’re patient, strategic, and often backed by governments or large criminal networks. Detecting them requires more than just traditional tools. That’s why 70% of successful detections use threat intelligence.
Threat intel helps identify the indicators these groups leave behind—like specific IP addresses, malware hashes, or unusual communication patterns. It also helps track their evolving tactics.
If your organization faces targeted attacks—or if you handle sensitive data—you need to make threat intelligence part of your APT detection efforts. Follow reports from groups like Mandiant or Recorded Future, stay updated on common TTPs (tactics, techniques, procedures), and build alerts around those behaviors in your security tools.
23. 29% of organizations report difficulty operationalizing threat intelligence
Nearly a third of organizations struggle with turning threat intel into something useful. That’s understandable. Intelligence on its own doesn’t do much unless it’s connected to your people, processes, and tools.
Operationalizing means making threat intel part of your daily work—feeding it into alert systems, using it to guide investigations, and building playbooks around it.
To fix this gap, start with a clear process. Decide who owns what. Define how often data is reviewed and how it’s applied. Use automation to pull in new intel and tag events. And make sure the intel you use is easy to understand by the teams who need it.
It’s not about having more data—it’s about using it smartly.
24. 52% of organizations use threat intelligence for vulnerability prioritization
Security teams are always flooded with vulnerabilities to patch. Not all of them are high-risk, but knowing which ones are actively being exploited makes a huge difference. That’s where threat intelligence comes in—and why 52% of organizations now use it to prioritize their patches.
For example, if a new vulnerability is being actively used in attacks, it jumps to the top of the list. If it’s theoretical with no real-world impact, you might delay it without much risk.
To apply this tactic, start using intelligence feeds that include “exploit-in-the-wild” information. Combine it with vulnerability scoring (like CVSS) to make informed patch decisions. This approach can save time, reduce risk, and improve efficiency.
25. 67% of government entities use threat intelligence to monitor nation-state threats
Governments face unique threats, often from sophisticated attackers backed by foreign governments. That’s why 67% of them use threat intelligence to track these nation-state actors.
This kind of intelligence helps detect espionage, disinformation campaigns, and targeted intrusions. It also supports coordination across agencies and helps protect critical infrastructure.
Private companies can take a page from this playbook. Nation-state groups often target industries like energy, healthcare, and tech—not just governments. If you’re in one of these sectors, stay informed about these actors, their methods, and their targets.
Use reports from government and private sources, and regularly update your defenses based on those insights.
26. 49% of threat intelligence users say it improves board-level reporting
Reporting cybersecurity risk to the board used to be a technical mess. Now, nearly half of threat intelligence users say it helps create better, clearer updates for leadership.
Why? Because it turns complex threats into business-relevant insights. Instead of saying “We had 2,000 intrusion attempts,” you can say “We were targeted by a ransomware group known for $2M ransom demands, but stopped it before impact.”
To use this effectively, create a monthly or quarterly briefing that connects threat intel to real business risks. Highlight industry trends, targeted attacks, and what your team is doing about them. Keep it short, sharp, and focused on business value.
27. 38% of threat intelligence programs are managed by third-party MSSPs
Managing threat intelligence takes time, tools, and talent. That’s why 38% of companies now outsource part or all of their programs to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs).
An MSSP can collect, filter, and apply threat intelligence on your behalf. They often have access to more advanced data and can provide around-the-clock monitoring.
If you’re considering this option, look for a partner that understands your industry and can explain their intel in clear terms. Don’t just go for the cheapest provider—go for one who can act as a real extension of your team.
28. 57% of security leaders cite threat intelligence as critical for cyber resilience
Cyber resilience is all about surviving and bouncing back from attacks. More than half of security leaders say threat intelligence is key to that.
It helps you see what’s coming, respond faster when something hits, and learn from each incident to come back stronger. It’s not just a detection tool—it’s a long-term advantage.
To build resilience, use threat intel in your incident response drills. Update your recovery plans based on new threats. Share learnings with your team and refine your defenses over time.
Being resilient doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being ready.
29. 62% of cloud-first companies incorporate cloud-specific threat intelligence
Cloud environments bring flexibility, but they also bring new risks. That’s why 62% of cloud-first organizations use cloud-specific threat intel to protect their assets.
This includes data on misconfigured buckets, cloud API abuse, and platform-specific attack patterns. The threats here are different from those in traditional networks, so your intelligence needs to match.
If you use AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, subscribe to threat feeds specific to those platforms. Also monitor forums and bulletins where cloud issues are discussed. The more tailored your intel, the more effective your cloud defenses will be.
30. 75% of organizations plan to increase threat intelligence investment in the next year
Three out of four companies are planning to spend more on threat intelligence in the coming year. That shows just how essential it’s becoming.
Whether it’s upgrading feeds, adding tools, hiring staff, or outsourcing to a provider, organizations see the value—and are putting their money behind it.
Now’s the time to plan your own next step. Maybe you expand your sources, automate your processes, or finally track ROI. Pick one area to grow, and build from there.
Threat intelligence isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a journey. And the more seriously you take it, the more secure your future will be.
wrapping it up
Threat intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s the backbone of modern cybersecurity. The data we’ve explored shows a clear trend: more and more organizations are not just adopting threat intelligence, but embedding it deeply into their operations, budgets, and decision-making processes.
